At Pride Park Stadium in Derby, the air was thick with applause and celebration. More than 200 guests gathered in the Toyota Suite on a recent Friday evening, all there to honor the people and programs making a real difference in their community through Derby County Community Trust.
The annual Awards Evening recognized individuals and organizations who embody the trust's core values, shining a light on everything from food security to environmental education, from youth sports to inclusive experiences for children with additional needs.
One of the night's standout winners was the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, which shared the Collaboration Award with the Community Trust. Since 2020, this partnership has been tackling food insecurity across the city through food donations, Christmas Cheer initiatives, and the Reverse Advent Calendar Appeal. When families struggle to put food on the table, this alliance steps in.
Belmont Primary School took home the Green Champion Award for its outstanding work in the Community Trust's Black, White and Green programme. The school has been helping young people understand climate change, learn how to reduce their carbon footprints, and take action for positive environmental change. It's education that extends beyond textbooks and into real life.
The Premier League Kicks programme was named Programme of the Year. Every week, more than 200 young people across Derby take part in free, safe, and inclusive football sessions held five evenings a week. The programme creates opportunities both on and off the pitch, giving youth a place to belong and grow.
Volunteer Lewis Riley received Volunteer of the Year honors for more than four years of dedicated service at the Community Trust's DS Active sessions. His commitment has helped create an inclusive environment while supporting fellow participants and developing his own coaching skills along the way.
Other winners included Rachel Gallimore, who inspired generations of students during her PE career at St Peter's Junior School; Callum Schofield, recognized for championing inclusion at UTC Derby Pride Park; and Katherine Wragg, the Marketing and Communications Manager whose "Not Just Football" campaign has helped showcase the trust's impact across Derbyshire.
The Sensory Room received a Special Recognition Award for its work creating inclusive matchday experiences where children and young adults with additional needs and their families can enjoy watching Derby County safely and comfortably.
While football remains at the heart of the organization, the awards night proved just how much the Community Trust does for local communities. From tackling hunger to protecting the planet, from coaching kids to supporting volunteers, the work touches every corner of Derbyshire. And as the applause faded that evening at Pride Park, one thing became clear: this trust is about far more than the beautiful game.